There are times in life that are stormy and dark, when every heart feels beyond hope. Times when we’re overwhelmed by circumstances that startle and catch us off guard–circumstances that are right here, right now–dark and directly overhead. No anticipation. No warning. And we’re blinded by their presence and sideswiped by their consequences. A lost job. A […]
Because It Is the Stretching That Brings the Change
It’s in the stretching, that change comes. And you know what’s a stretch? I’ll tell you, me being a runner! (Although it’s becoming less of a stretch every day.) When I got talked into signed up to run this half-marathon in October, I knew it would be hard, but I didn’t really know how hard. And […]
Selfishness is Sin, But Grace Gives Life :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 18 & 19}
I struggle with selfishness. I often think my way is the best way, and many times I just want what I want. I am sometimes less than happy for the success of others, because I wish it was mine. And when I’m hurt by someone, it’s tempting to wish they were hurting too. But this […]
Because He Really Does Satisfy with Long Life
And what a privilege to return home in the late of summer to celebrate her 90th birthday. Her life has not been perfect; in fact it has been full of suffering… An alcoholic father, an interrupted education, marrying young, and having lots of babies… No running water, almost no money, baking from scratch, curing wild […]
When My There Becomes My Next Here {Living in the Present Moment}
I want to live in the here, really I do. Amidst the messes and piles of papers in the office, Among the toys strewn through every room, With the dishes piled in the sink because the dishwasher is clean and I haven’t unloaded it, And the laundry that piles up and calls me from much […]
The Thorns Beneath the Smile {Why Our Answers Should Simply Be Yes or No} :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 16 & 17}
I’m a liar. And you are too… Oh maybe not in obvious ways, but they’re lies just the same. You know… Like when a friend says you should get together sometime, and insists how much you mean to her, but the meeting never ever happens. Yeah, that. Or when you run into that person in […]
Summer VBS Days {One Beautiful Thing}
Summer is meant to be full of fun and laughter. A time to refresh and regroup. A time to be carefree. And this summer the kids have had a fabulous time, especially attending VBS. I have wonderful memories of Vacation Bible School. Running and playing with friends. Singing songs with hand motions, And worshipping God with my whole […]
The Summer Sky {One Beautiful Thing}
It’s been so hot lately that it’s making the sunrises and sunsets so beautiful! Tuesday night I came out of a church meeting and was surprised by the beauty of the sunset. And then the very next morning, as I was leaving for work, I saw this lovely sunrise. I often seek the beauty around me, but these two scenes found […]
Because a Life of Holiness Demands My Soul, My Life, My All :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 14}
Two summers ago I taught a women’s bible study based on the book Every Woman’s Battle, by Shannon Ethridge. After one of the sessions, I received an email from a woman admitting that in her mind, she had been comparing her husband to other men. She acknowledged how this had created ruts of discontent, and even anger in her […]
Holiness is a Matter of the Heart :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 13}
I’ve always been a rule-follower—a child who chose to obey because the thought of someone not being happy with me was unbearable. And over time, I learned that if I followed the rules and performed well, I’d please others and feel loved. And I began to apply this to my relationship with God. I can […]
